Study Methods for Foreign Language Learners – Part 1

First of all, you need to know the way you learn best. Maybe, the best approach for me is not going to suit well for you. So, to learn efficiently you must be aware of what fits you better, which are the qualities and flaws you have while learning.

First, let’s start with our senses.

Some people are visual oriented, while they are learning they should use pictures, images, videos and graphics.

Other people are verbal type; they usually are good using words, both in oral speech as well as in writing. They should be always stimulated to take notes while learning.

The physical people are call kinesthetic, this kind of individuals like to use they sense of touch to learn. There is also a sub-type that learns best while they are moving. So, when is appropriate this group should always receive some kind of external stimulation, is possible to use music or make them transfer information to a notebook or tablet.

We still have the musical talented people, they are call auditory learners. This type of learners prefers to use sounds and music; unfortunately they often have difficulties with reading and writing tasks. They should be able to record the class. A good strategy is always make questions to keep their attention.

Besides knowing how we process information through our senses, we must identify our personality type. For this, we can take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a widely use test to discover how we process information and relate to people.

Extroversion vs. Introversion

Extrovert types interact best on the outer world, they like action, to be around people and socialize. So, classrooms that possibilities they to talk and discuss are the perfect learning environment; as long they feel stimulated by the outside world, they’ll be open to try new things On the other hand, they have difficulties with traditional tasks like reading, writing and even listening to the teacher.

Introverts are independent learners, they can concentrate easily on tasks, so they learn best alone because they can internalize the information through ideas, reflection and contemplation. Unlike the extroverts, introverts excel in tasks that involving reading and written works. They enjoy listening to others, but have difficulties to speak up in classes and also to participate during discussion groups, especially over topics they aren’t familiar with.

Sensing vs. Intuition

Sensing types use their five senses to learn. They are concrete-sequential so they learn best from reports and real facts; the information taken must be tangible. As they work in a systematic way, they pay big attention to details and may be ignore the big picture. They learn well when the information is presented in steps and instructions with logical sequence. They also understand well with examples and practical application.

INtuitive types focus on conceptual information, they enjoy theories and possibilities. On the contrary of the sensing type, the intuitive learners make general conceptions and often miss important information. They do well in task that involving general concepts and associations. They can become easily bored with step by step materials and a slow pace environment.

Thinking vs. Feeling

Thinking types make decisions using logical reasoning to analyze, judge and understand. They have a critical nature and are good in solving problems. They like feedbacks and objective goals. They appreciate an organized, objective and a fair environment.

Feeling types are more subject when make decisions, they decide on the basis of personal feeling, likes and dislikes. They like to work in groups as long there is harmony between the members. They also learn helping others and find important personal rapport with colleagues and instructors. Therefore, they learn environment must be personalized.

Judging vs. Perceiving

Judging types enjoy getting things done, work through rules, they are ordered and goal-oriented. Judging personalities do well in environments that are planned and structured. They enjoy advancing through the classes as planned. The often meet deadlines and avoid surprises or uncontrolled environment. Because that they must sense they are progressing.

Perceiving types are open and flexible. They often postpone decisions and action to gather information and data, because of that they can be seen as lazy and inconsistent. They can adapt to different kinds of materials as long keep them interested, they don’t like to feel oblige to do something, so is interesting for this kind of learner have different materials.

So, I know that I’m an independent learner, I usually see the “big picture” and I’m also very critical and I like setting goals and accomplishing them. On the other hand, I have difficulties talking about unknowns subjects and speaking up in class; I often don’t pay attention to details or rules exceptions.

Knowing that it’s helpful because I able to realize what work best for me: Listening explanation, reading and writing, a calm e organized environment and I don’t necessarily need a teacher to learn. At last, but not least, I should set goals to keep me motivated.

I also know what I must improve: I should speak up, be less rigid, I’m must be more careful with details and don’t rush up just to get thing done.

Disclaimer

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English is not my native language, if you find some error, please send me a message. Many thanks.